New Delhi:

President Draupadi Murmu on Tuesday said India is proud to be a friend and partner of Bangladesh in its liberation struggle and will continue to share the development journey with the neighboring country.

The President said that India and Bangladesh share a unique bond, based on their history, culture and sacrifices.

“India is proud to be a friend and partner in Bangladesh’s liberation struggle and will continue to share the development journey with Bangladesh,” he said while addressing a youth delegation from Bangladesh at the Rashtrapati Bhavan here.

President Murmu said that “we must preserve and nurture this spirit” that inspires the unique bond between our two countries.

A 100-member youth delegation from Bangladesh met President Draupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The President said that the presence of the youth delegation in India reflects the enduring spirit of cooperation and friendship that defines India-Bangladesh relations. He… pic.twitter.com/0E4jZmVv6N

– President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) 27 February 2024

The President said that the relationship between India and Bangladesh is a relationship of heart and soul.

“We have a deep cultural bond, and a common love for art, music, cricket and food. Our national anthems, both written by (Rabindranath) Tagore, are a source of pride. We celebrate ‘Baul’ music and ‘Baul’ “Share a love of music.” Works of Kazi Nazrul Islam. Our unity and diversity are celebrated in our common heritage,” he said.

President Murmu said that India gives top priority to its friendship with Bangladesh, and “we are committed to realizing its full potential”.

He was happy to note that India and Bangladesh are home to a large and energetic youth population that has unlimited potential to shape the world and urged everyone to harness this potential.

“As future leaders, it is the responsibility of the youth to lead us towards a green, sustainable and peaceful world,” the President was quoted as saying in a statement issued by the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

President Murmu urged the members of the youth delegation to utilize the opportunity to experience different aspects of India and its diversity and developments in the fields of science, technology and arts.

He said that as they work towards building Sonar Bangla, they should also strive to strengthen the bonds of peace, prosperity and friendship between India and Bangladesh.

Addressing the members of the delegation, the President said that he was happy to interact with a group of young and bright minds of Bangladesh.

He said the delegates have been selected from all over Bangladesh and include more than 50 per cent women and participants from all walks of life.

President Murmu said that his presence here is not just a visit; It is “a bridge being built between our nations, and a testament to the enduring spirit of cooperation and friendship that defines India-Bangladesh relations”.

The Bangladesh Youth Delegation Program was launched in 2012 as a joint initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. The main objective of this youth program is to promote goodwill and understanding towards each other’s countries, exchange of ideas and understanding of values ​​and culture among the youth.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)